An update about our people from Jase

Kia ora koutou,

As you may have heard, our colleague and friend Tracey Howell has accepted a new and exciting role outside of the business.  We’re sad to see her go, but super appreciative of everything Tracey has done for OP and our learners over the years. Tracey will finish up with us mid-March and we wish her all the best!

In order to ensure continuity of leadership and support, Max Sims has agreed to lead the Catering and Functions teams and also the Campus Services team. Max already works with these teams regularly when handling business at the Student Village so this is a logical step and will provide leadership and support to these already largely autonomous teams. Having an interim leader in place during the fast-approaching consultation period will be critical too in terms of providing support, communication and a listening ear. 

My thanks to Max for taking on more responsibility. He will take over the new role in stages and has already made a start. My thanks also to the teams themselves for their flexibility and capacity to keep doing what they already do well.

We are currently working through our plans for project management of our construction projects and will keep you up to date with any developments.

In addition to this change, we are also happy to share that Ronda McLaren has successfully secured the College Operations Coordinator role at Te Maru Pumanawa, beginning in this role on February 9.

Our team have a great deal of respect and appreciation for Ronda’s in-depth knowledge of OP and its systems and processes. While we’re sad to see her go, we support Ronda’s desire to tackle a new challenge and wish her all the best. 

The team is currently working through how to reallocate any tasks and responsibilities previously held by Ronda amongst the remaining Executive Assistant team to ensure business continuity is retained at such an important time in the academic year.

If anyone is unsure who to go to in the Executive Assistant team (Russ, Anna, and Paula), please be assured that any of the Executive Assistants are approachable and able to help; Russ remains my Executive Assistant.

Kā mihi,

Jase